Diane Black named interim House Budget chairman

U.S. Rep. Diane Black on Tuesday was named interim chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee, placing her at the crux of the fight to repeal Obamacare.

The interim title appears to be necessary until Rep. Tom Price, the outgoing committee chairman, is confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Black's name emerged last week in reports by Politico suggesting the Sumner County Republican would move ahead of several federal lawmakers with more seniority on the panel to claim one of the most influential committee positions in Washington. A source with knowledge of the talks told The Tennessean on Friday that Black was the leading candidate to take over the post.

In a statement sent out Tuesday evening, Black, who was first elected to represent the 6th District in 2010, said she initially ran for Congress because of the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

"As interim Chairman for the House Budget Committee, I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to repeal this law that has burdened families and businesses and turn the page to a new healthcare system that lowers costs, spurs free market competition, and ultimately empowers patients — not Washington bureaucrats. I look forward to bringing my decades in healthcare as a registered nurse, my insight as a Member of the Ways and Means Committee, and my unique experience navigating Tennessee’s own health reform crisis to this role. I am grateful to my colleagues for this opportunity and am ready for the important work ahead," Black said.

Black's elevation is the biggest move to occur among members of Tennessee's delegation since the election of President-elect Donald Trump.

In December, Rep. Phil Roe was named chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who was once considered a candidate for vice president and Secretary of State, chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Black will be the first woman to serve as chairman of the powerful budget committee. House Speaker Paul Ryan, once a vice presidential candidate, has previously held the position.

The Budget Committee is expected to play a leading role in the Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.